Highest Paid Players in the NRL

The National Rugby League (NRL) is popular all around the world and has some of the best players. Many of these players earn big money for their hard work.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is the Melbourne Storm Captain and is considered to be the highest paid player in the NRL. He is the leading point scorer and plays the position of hooker. He is well known for the important position he plays, defence.

He is an excellent player and rarely makes a mistake. Rumour has it that Smith is paid $1 million for his hard work for the team. He is also the Captain of the Australia team who won the World Cup in 2013 and 2017.

Jonathan Thurston

Jonathan Thurston is another high earner with earnings of $1 million – that’s like winning a jackpot at River Belle casino just for playing a game you love.

Thurston is a great player and is considered one of the best players in the NRL. He plays for the North Queensland Cowboys and is their captain. He plays halfback and five-eighth and is one of the best goal scorers.

Robbie Farah

Robbie Farah is a Lebanese NRL player and has played hooker and halfback for the West Tigers and plays for South Sydney Rabbitohs and is thought to earn $900 000.

He has played 223 games for his teams and was instrumental in the win against New South Wales (NSW) in the 2014 State of Origin match series.

Will Hopoate

Most professional players tend to be rather arrogant, but Will Hopoate is a humble NRL player. Before he began playing in the NRL he dedicated his time to the Mormon Mission.

Hopoate earns around $800 000 each year. He usually fills the fullback and wing position and played centre in the NSW State of Origin team. Hopoate plays for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and has also played for the Sea Eagles and Eels. The NRL is probably in his genes as his father is John Hopoate.

Trent Merrin

Trent Merrin is the newbie to Penrith Panthers and is not only an important sign for the team, but is also a high earner with around $750 000 per season.

Merrin plays lock, second-row and prop and was instrumental in the NRL Grand Final win in 2010 while playing for the Illawarra Dragons.

Josh Dugan

Josh Dugan plays for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Known for being a controversial player he was fired by Canberra Raiders for incidents that happened off the field.

It is thought that Dugan earns about $700 000 per season. He prefers playing fullback or centre for his team and has been a significant player for the Dragons in his career with the NRL.

Cooper Cronk

Cooper Cronk currently plays for the Sydney Roosters. He earns around $625 000 and is considered an excellent professional NRL player.

Cronk is a dedicated player and works hard and has accomplished 20 goals for Melbourne with other victories during his 14 seasons. He is known for being a calm player when the team is under pressure.